free window screen repair is this a scam

foxyuk2000

i think i have being scamed
i got my car window screen repaired outside me local B&Q in november 07
it advertised free repair i asked the fellow if its free he said yes i asked if the was hidden costs he said no
so i get a letter today 20th june 08 saying i have 7days to pay for the repair bill. at a cost of £99.88.:eek:
i could had a new window screen for that..:mad:
the company is called clear vision ...
any advise please
thanks jenny

reeree

is there a contact number for them

peggydoodaa

perhaps is it one of those where you're supposed to put it via your insurance company. so technically it's not free ?

heatherw_01

Usually the free windscreen repairs are only free if you have insurance that will cover it.

The last time I had it done it was free, but it was a company I had heard of.

judy2357

When we had ours done, the repairer rang our insurance company before he repaired our screen and it was ok'd. Havent heard anything since, so guess they paid.

anewman

Surely they can't bill you out of the blue when at the time they stated it was free. I would first read any contract/paperwork you may have been asked to sign and given copies of.

My advice would be to write them a nice letter stating how the service was confirmed to be free at point of sale and you have no intention of paying the invoice, particularly when the price was not agreed on at time of sale, and invite them to take you to court. Think there's also some sort of law about harassment for payment you could threaten to take them to court for if they ask for payment again. Really need someone better versed in law than me to come read this thread and confirm whether ths approach is a good idea or not and which law and caselaw apply etc.

raskazz

The bill has been sent to you because the repairer will not have direct billing arrangements in place with your insurer.

Assuming you are actually covered for glass damage under your policy, simply send the invoice to your insurer's claims department who will settle it.

fatbelly

I've used these services before and the repairer has always asked me for my insurer details before commencing the work. I've never had a problem.

Sounds like your guy didn't know his business.

Mind you, £99 for five minutes work ... makes you think!

foxyuk2000

thanks for the reply's and advise the is only an address on the bill no phone number i phoned consumer direct for advice today they are reporting them to the trading standards as it was very missleading in the mean time she has told me to write them a letter ...
so i did and posted it so will have to waite to see what happens now..
thanks again
jen

Karen2008

I have had the exact same letter, the date on the letter states 9 June however I only received it today. I contacted my insurance and apparently they onyl deal with RAC so I have to pay the £99.88 and then my insurance company will reimburse by, minus £25 excess charges, so for a minor windscreen chip that I thought was free, I have to now shell out £99.88 and wait for my insurance company to reimburse me £74.88!

I think it is a sick scam and this system should be stopped as some of the people carrying out this work are not following procedures correctly.

joaneyg

I have received the exact letter on 26th June saying that I have 14 days to pay or I will be reported to Debt collectors- the letter was dated 9th June. I contacted my insurance company and they have never heard of this company and only deal with RAC.
My insurance company have said if I send them a receipt to say I have paid then they will reimburse me but I'm concerned that this company will not send me a receipt as they have already told me lies.
I think they should be reported but who too??:j